Petition · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Department for Transport

Ban domestic flights on routes that can be travelled by train in under 4.5 hours

Open for signatures 116 signatures

What the petition asks

Follow France’s lead and remove air routes where there is a direct rail link of 4.5 hours or less, to help rapidly bring emissions down in line with the UK’s legally-binding net zero targets.
With air emissions approximately 7 times higher than rail emissions (UK Government, 2022), we think removing the option to fly would make a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions. At a time when we need to do all we can to cut carbon, we should follow the lead of France and Spain who have, or are considering, banning domestic routes where rail provides a viable alternative. The 4.5 hour cut-off includes Lon-Edinburgh and Lon-Glasgow, two of the UK’s most-used flight routes.

Timeline

29 Apr 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 116
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Department for Transport
Opened 29 Apr 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.